Connecting with Cultures: Lessons Learned from Photographing Around the World

Before pursuing visual storytelling, Eric Kruszewski worked as an engineer, dismantling chemical weaponry and securing biological agents. But a sensory-overloaded journey through India in 2008 forever changed his trajectory. Eric is now a professional freelance photographer and videographer who has traveled to more than 50 countries and documented social and cultural issues. He is a Datacolor Friend with Vision, and his work is represented by National Geographic Creative.

Traveling throughout a country and experiencing a new culture is exhilarating. And as photographers, we want to capture the people, places and moments that make this world unique. In doing so, we are oftentimes outsiders observing this world through a lens, though it’s possible to break down those barriers and make intimate and compelling images.

Take a look at the presentation I did during B&H’s OPTIC 2017 event in NYC. I share techniques and ideas for opening doors, gaining people’s trust, and making images of strangers with hopes they part as friends. In addition, I’ll show work from long-term projects and expeditions, talk through the process of developing relationships and seizing the moment, and share tips on techniques used throughout my workflow including color management and post-processing.